Arkansas News Bureau

LITTLE ROCK — Two men were injured today when two propane tanks exploded at an East Arkansas recycling business near Forrest City, authorities said.

The victims sustained severe burns and were transported by helicopter to a hospital in Memphis, Tenn., St. Francis County Sheriff Bobby May said.

The explosion occurred about 11:30 a.m., as the two men were welding in a shop at J.W. East Arkansas Recycling along U.S. 70 west of Forrest City, May said.

“One of the propane tanks in the shop had leaked propane and it lingered close the ground and a (welding) arc caused the explosion,” the sheriff said.

An employee at business declined comment this afternoon and said the plant’s manager was unavailable.